LED ZEPPELIN - REID HAS NO REGRETS ABOUT MISSED LED ZEPPELIN CHANCE

REID HAS NO REGRETS ABOUT MISSED LED ZEPPELIN CHANCE

Singer TERRY REID has dismissed reports of a rift between himself and his LED ZEPPELIN pals, insisting he has no regrets about turning down the chance to become a member of the legendary rockers. Reid had originally been asked to front the band by guitarist Jimmy Page in the 1960s - but passed on the opportunity because he had already committed to supporting the Rolling Stones on tour. He suggested Page contact two of his friends, singer Robert Plant and drummer John Bonham, and in 1968 - along with bassist John Paul Jones - Led Zeppelin was born. The group is now poised for a reunion concert in London on Monday night (10Dec07) - with Bonham's son, Jason, taking the place of his late father, who died in 1980. But Reid, who went on to achieve minor success with his group Peter Jay and Jaywalkers and later as a solo artist, is sure he would never change his decision if given the chance. He says, "I hate all that nonsense. These guys are my friends. There was no Led Zeppelin at the time when Jimmy Page was trying to put the group together, and if I had have joined, they might not have been the band they are today. "I've always been a musician and that has been my livelihood, but I have had to work other jobs to make ends meet, and I'm proud of what I've done." And Reid is glad to have had a part in creating the rock icons, but admits he wouldn't mind a "GBP20,000 finder's fee". Recalling his conversation with Page about starting a band, he adds, "I was 16 and I had signed a tour contract which I was going to stick to. That was when I mentioned Robert (Plant) and John (Bonham). I knew them. "I phoned up Jimmy and he asked me, 'What does this singer look like?' I said, 'What do you mean, what does he look like? He looks like a Greek god, but that doesn't matter. I'm talking about the way he sings, and the drummer is awesome.'"